4 Ways to Trick Yourself into Loving Physical Activity

When getting active feels like a challenge, don’t just think about what you’re doing--focus on where you’re doing it. Moving your movement out into nature can make it much more fun. Instead of counting reps or minutes, you might find yourself tuning into the beauty around you, and even experiencing a sense of awe. It sounds dramatic, but awe is simply the feeling of wonder or amazement we get when we see something vast, beautiful, or impressive, like the ocean, or a mountain range, or just a tree in full bloom. Moments of awe can boost your sense of well-being and life satisfaction--and research shows that when you feel awestruck during physical activity, you might enjoy what you’re doing more. That, of course, can lead to lots of weight loss and wellness benefits (and some pretty shots to post on Connect, right?).

As described in your Weekly, awe is something we can experience in both cities and nature, whether we’re looking at a forest or appreciating the architecture of an old building in our neighbourhood. You can also find awe in new places, or familiar ones, if you notice them in a different way.

Specifically, research shows that those who move outdoors instead of indoors experience improved self-esteem, vitality and revitalization, as well as feelings of energy, pleasure and delight. They also feel more inspired to walk again! Interestingly, one study also revealed that when people walked in a natural environment like a grassy landscape, hills or a forest, their body image improved immediately afterward.

If you’re just not feeling the urge to move more, or struggling to enjoy yourself during activity, let go of that “grin and bear it” approach. Instead, grab your bike, rollerblades or running shoes and head outside, with these tips in mind:

Pick a part of your city, town or local park that you haven’t had much time to explore and pay attention to., or go someplace new to you.

Leave your phone at home or turn it off. It’s important to focus on your surroundings without distraction.

Start moving, paying attention to your breathing, the feeling of your feet on the ground, and the sights and sounds around you.

As you begin to notice more of your environment, pay attention to what inspires or intrigues you. Do you prefer open spaces? Flowery gardens? Old houses? Home in on the details. What draws your eye? The colours? Shapes? The way the light hits the trees?

The more often you practice this, the more you’ll find opportunities for awe when you’re active, and as you go through your day, anywhere, anytime.